I’ve run into this exact issue before — your Bosch dishwasher trips the electrics with about 8 minutes left, and the water stays inside. That usually points to a fault happening right when the machine tries to drain.
Quick Answer
If your dishwasher trips the power during the drain cycle, the most common cause is a faulty drain pump motor or an electrical short. Testing the pump with a multimeter is the fastest way to confirm.
Step-by-step troubleshooting guide
1. Turn off power completely (very important)
Before anything:
- Switch off at the consumer unit
- Unplug the dishwasher if possible
This avoids electric shock and further damage.
2. Confirm it’s happening during the drain cycle
From your description:
- Stops at ~8 minutes remaining
- Water still inside
That strongly suggests the issue occurs when the drain pump activates.
3. Check for blockages first
Even if you already checked, double confirm:
- Remove and clean the filter
- Inspect the sump area
- Check the drain hose for kinks or debris
A blockage won’t usually trip power, but it’s good to rule it out.
4. Inspect the drain pump impeller
You already did this, but for clarity:
- Open the sump
- Spin the impeller
- It should rotate freely and smoothly
If it feels stiff or jammed, the motor may be failing under load.
5. Test the drain pump with a multimeter
This is the key step.
- Disconnect the drain pump wiring
- Use a DMM (digital multimeter) on Ohms
Check for:
- 0.0 Ohms → short circuit (bad motor)
- Very high/infinite → open circuit (also bad)
- Continuity to chassis → dangerous short (definite fault)
If any of these show up, the drain pump needs replacing.
6. Check wiring and connectors
Sometimes it’s not the motor itself:
- Look for burn marks
- Check for loose connectors
- Inspect wires for damage or moisture
A short in wiring can also trip the breaker.
7. Test without the drain pump connected
If safe to do:
- Disconnect the drain pump
- Run a short cycle
If the dishwasher no longer trips, then the pump is almost certainly the issue.
Extra tips and best practices
- Always use the correct replacement drain pump for your model (sms65e02gb/07)
- Keep filters clean to reduce strain on the motor
- Avoid running cycles with standing water repeatedly
- If unsure, isolate the appliance on its own circuit for testing
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping electrical tests and replacing parts blindly
- Ignoring wiring faults and blaming the pump only
- Running the dishwasher multiple times while it’s tripping (can damage the board)
- Not disconnecting power before testing
FAQ
Why does my dishwasher trip the breaker only at the end?
Because that’s when the drain pump activates, drawing current. A faulty motor can short under load.
Can a blocked drain cause electrical tripping?
Not usually. A blockage causes poor drainage, but tripping points to an electrical fault.
Is it safe to keep using it?
No. Repeated tripping can damage your consumer unit or control board.
Conclusion
From your symptoms, this is very likely a faulty drain pump or a short in its circuit. Since the impeller spins freely, the issue is probably internal to the motor windings. Testing with a multimeter will confirm it quickly.
Once verified, replacing the drain pump should solve the problem and stop the tripping.
Reference links
https://www.bosch-home.co.uk/customer-service/get-support/dishwashers
https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Dishwasher/24-4--/Dishwasher-Trips-Breaker
https://www.espares.co.uk/advice/dishwashers/a/1/138/how-to-fix-a-dishwasher-that-trips-the-electricity
